Mines and Mining Development minister and Umguza MP Obert Mpofu has accused drafters of the Copac-led draft constitution of serving Western countries’ interests.
Report by Richard Muponde
Mpofu, who is also a Zanu PF politburo member, made the accusations while addressing party supporters at Chinotimba Hall in Victoria Falls on Saturday.
“There will be an all-stakeholders’ meeting to discuss people’s views and see whether they were included in the draft constitution not what was said by the Copac lawyers who are following what is wanted by America and other Western countries,” he said.
“This is why as Zanu PF we are against the draft, but the MDC wants it. We are saying no, let’s have what the people said included.”
Mpofu accused the drafters of incorporating provisions on homosexuality in the draft constitution.
Homosexuality is regarded as taboo in Zimbabwean culture.
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“Honestly how can a man admire another man as a wife? Like the way I am standing here addressing you, there would be an old man in the audience admiring me.”
“It’s taboo. We can’t allow that. Who will marry the women then?” he asked rhetorically.”
The Copac drafters are Retired Judge Moses Chinengo and lawyers Brian Crozier and Priscilla Madzonga.
Zanu PF has been making demands that it wants the national report released before the Second All-Stakeholders’ Conference, arguing that people’s views were ignored.
Mpofu also said he planned to build a state-of-the-art high school in Victoria Falls to cater for local and regional students.
“The school will cater for all people regardless of tribe and also serve countries in the region. I am nationalist, not a tribalist,” he said.
“We should not start pressure groups on tribal lines which divide the people.
“I will not support such organisations and ideas.”
